RGS Explore Weekend 2025 programme
Find out about the RGS Explore Weekend 2025 programme, including speakers, workshops, schedules, and locations.
Friday 31 October 2025
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| 5.15pm |
Using the Society's Collections |
| 5.30pm |
Doors open for evening event |
| 6.30pm | Postcards from the field Be inspired by the latest tales of discovery from recently returned explorers. This event is included in the price of a full weekend ticket. More information and list of speakers |
| 9.00pm-10.00pm | Explorers Bar |
Saturday, 1 November 2025
Today is all about igniting your passion for exploration with a series of main stage talks from seasoned expeditioners and field professionals sharing their stories and expertise. After lunch, dive deeper into the practical side of expeditions with focused workshops, and put your plans to the test in our pitching session. As the day winds down, relax and network at the Explorers’ Bar before the evening film screening.
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| 9.00am | Doors open for registration |
| 10.00am | Welcome - Professor Joe Smith, RGS Director |
| 10.10am | Opening address - Paul Rose, 2025 Explore Chair |
| 10.20am-11.15am |
Main stage talks
|
| 11.15am | Break and refreshments
Will you meet a future expedition partner in the coffee queue?
|
| 11.45am-12.45pm |
Main stage talks
|
| 12.45pm | Lunch with Firepot
Network with peers and experts, and meet the exhibitors.
|
| 2.00pm-3.00pm |
Main stage talks
|
| 3.00pm | Break and refreshments |
| 3.30pm | Expedition logistics, skills and safety workshops
A choice of subject-specific workshops in several categories.
|
| 5.00pm | Pitch your plans
Get expert feedback in this Dragon's Den-style pitching session!
|
| 5.30pm-7.00pm | Film screening
An exclusive screening of Expedition Amazon in partnership with National Geographic introduced by Elizabeth Hogan. Followed by Q&A with Thiago Silva and Julia Tavares. Watch the trailer.
|
| 6.00pm | Explorers’ Bar |
| 9.00pm | (Optional) dinner at Wagamama
A 20-minute walk away on Kensington High Street.
|
Sunday, 2 November 2025
The second day of the Explore Weekend is dedicated to equipping you with in-depth knowledge for your next expedition. The day kicks off with a series of specialised workshops on field research and purpose-driven travel. In the afternoon, fine-tune your plans with practical medical workshops and explore communication and storytelling techniques to share your findings with the world.
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| 8.30am | Doors open |
| Morning yoga on the terrace Bring your own mat. Beginners welcome! |
|
| 9.30am | Opening remarks
With this year's Explore Weekend chair Paul Rose.
|
| 9.45am-11.00am |
Main stage talks
|
| 11.00am | Break |
| 11.30am-1.00pm | Field research and purposeful travel workshops
Select one of the subject-specific workshops covering field research approaches, ethical and responsible travel, and other purpose-driven activities.
|
| 1.00pm |
Lunch Pizza from the back of a Land Rover Defender. Networking and exhibitors. |
| 2.15pm-3.15pm | Main stage talks
A series of talks running in parallel with the expedition medicine workshops.
Expedition medicine workshops These three 45-minute workshops run in parallel with main stage talks. Topics include:
|
| 3.15pm-4.30pm |
Medical and Communication workshops
|
| 4.30pm |
Your priorities tomorrow What does it mean to be an explorer? - Oliver Steeds Chair’s closing address - Paul Rose |
| 5.00pm | Event ends |
| 7.00pm | Building closes |
- Exhibition
Earth Photo: Wray Castle
Visit National Trust Wray Castle to see a stunning selection of the selected and winning images from this years competition.
CumbriaOpen to all12 Sep 2025 - 30 Apr 2026 - Exhibition
Earth Photo: Haldon
Visit Haldon Forest Park to see a stunning selection of the selected and winning images from this years competition.
ExeterOpen to all17 Oct 2025 - 19 Mar 2026 - Exhibition
Earth Photo: Alice Holt
Visit Alice Holt Forest to see a stunning selection of the selected and winning images from this years competition.
FarnhamOpen to all17 Oct 2025 - 20 Feb 2026
Stay updated on the RGS Explore Weekend and more
Be the first to hear when new speakers and workshops are added to the programme by subscribing to the Society's monthly exploration, expeditions and fieldwork newsletter.
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- Once logged in, navigate to My preferences and select Exploration news, events and opportunities.
Speakers
Meet the expert speakers and facilitators who have generously shared tales, insights and advice from their involvement in expeditions and fieldwork at the RGS Explore Weekend.
Is RGS Explore for me?
The RGS Explore Weekend brings together a diverse community united by a belief in geographical exploration as a force for good. Find out what to expect from being part of this unique gathering.
What do RGS Explore attendees say?
In this collection of video testimonials, speakers, participants, and exhibitors share what makes attending the RGS Explore Weekend a life-changing experience.
Frequently asked questions
Attending the RGS Explore Weekend in London can seem a major commitment. We respond in detail to commonly-voiced questions and concerns.